A series of entry-level training courses have been announced by The Institute of Professional Sound (IPS), which it is developing in association with Creative Skillset, the UK's sector skills council for the creative and media industries.

The aim is to provide audio practitioners in the early stages of their careers with training in the basics of sound engineering in the form of short course modules, designed so that those interested can attend on an ad-hoc basis as required.

The first four half-day modules are to be run on Saturday mornings at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in Beaconsfield, and will take place over four consecutive weekends starting on July 12th, 2014. The courses include ‘What is Sound/Microphones 101’, ‘Mic Placement’, ‘Anatomy of a Mixer/Levels and Meters’ and ‘Compression and EQ’. Subsequent courses will be run in various regional centres to ensure that the maximum number of people are able to gain access to the training material.

Chairman of the IPS Simon Bishop, comments: "As staff jobs for technicians working in audio for the film, broadcast, and radio sectors become scarcer, and as more workers become self employed, training provided by traditional employers is becoming a rare luxury.”

“The fantastic technical training courses of old, such as those formerly provided by the BBC, are, sadly, unlikely ever to return. I am therefore extremely excited that the IPS, with generous help from Creative Skillset, is able to announce the first four of our Saturday morning training classes, under the banner of ‘IPS Audio Training,” adds Bishop.

The Institute of Professional Sound will hold its 2014 Annual Training Weekend at Bosworth Hall in February. This year’s event will explore the world of post-production, with a particular look at how acquisition affects post.